13 January 2021

Falkland Islands Government extends hugely successful TRIP scheme

Since its launch in October 2020, the Falkland Islands Tourism Recovery Incentive Programme – known locally as the ‘TRIP scheme’ – has proved incredibly successful. To date, 2,317 people have registered for the scheme, which is over 75% of the population.

Since its launch in October 2020, the Falkland Islands Tourism Recovery Incentive Programme – known locally as the ‘TRIP scheme’ – has proved incredibly successful. To date, 2,317 people have registered for the scheme, which is over 75% of the population.As part of efforts to ensure that as many people as possible can benefit from the scheme, in particular those involved in seasonal occupations, the Falkland Islands Government (FIG) has received approval from the Executive Council to extend the scheme until 31 May 2021.

MLA Mark Pollard, portfolio lead for Trade and Industry, including tourism, said: “We are thrilled that so many people have registered for the scheme; it is clearly working as intended, with residents and businesses both benefitting from the initiative. This extension will give people even more of an opportunity to enjoy a staycation in the Falkland Islands and I encourage everyone to make the most of the scheme. Even if people do not intend to use their voucher for accommodation, it can also be used for tourism experiences or as a part-payment for eating out or purchasing gifts from TRIP-registered businesses. While our commercial airlinks remain suspended due to Covid-19, there has never been a better time for people to explore the far corners of their own country or even enjoy a night out in town – both of which involve experiencing the best in Falkland Islands hospitality.”

TRIP is a domestic tourism stimulus scheme that is open to everyone who is ordinarily resident in the Falkland Islands and provides eligible adults with a £500 digital voucher and eligible children with a £250 digital voucher to be spent on tourism accommodation, hospitality and experiences, provided by registered businesses. It also incorporates the BFSAI TRIP scheme – which has also been extended until the end of the May – and provides eligible adult military personnel with a voucher worth up to £100 and each child between the ages of 2 – 16 with a voucher worth £50.

TRIP is administered by International Tours & Travel on behalf of FIG.

Details on how to apply for the scheme are available on the ITT website www.falklandislands.travel or by calling 22041.